Cardigan in Sirdar Big Softie Super Chunky - 9829 - Downloadable PDF

Sirdar Big Softie Super Chunky Cardigan – Knitting Pattern 9829

Pattern 9829 from Sirdar is a knitted cardigan worked in Sirdar Big Softie Super Chunky yarn, designed for knitters of all experience levels and labelled as an Easy Knit make. The pattern covers six sizes to fit bust measurements of 81, 86, 91, 97, 102, and 107 cm (32–42 inches), with actual finished measurements ranging from 84 to 111 cm (33 to 43¾ inches). The full length of the finished garment ranges from 62 to 70 cm (24½ to 27½ inches), and the sleeve length — which is described as adjustable — runs from 41 to 45 cm (16 to 17¾ inches) depending on size. This makes the pattern a versatile choice for a wide range of body types.

What Is Being Made

The finished project is a super chunky knitted cardigan featuring a combination of classic stocking stitch and a decorative cable panel. The cable panel spans 18 stitches and measures approximately 12 cm (4¾ inches) in width, adding a beautiful textural detail to what is otherwise a straightforward, beginner-friendly construction. The cardigan is fastened with 5 or 6 buttons (depending on size), giving it a classic, polished finish. The garment is knitted in separate pieces — back, fronts, and sleeves — and then seamed together, a traditional construction method well suited to chunky-weight projects.

Techniques Used

• Two-needle cast on – used to begin each piece of the cardigan
• Stocking stitch (st-st) – the primary fabric of the garment, worked by alternating knit and purl rows
• Cable knitting – a decorative panel worked over 18 stitches using a cable needle, creating a classic twisted rope effect
• Shoulder shaping – achieved through casting off stitches at the beginning of rows to create a neat, angled shoulder line
• Increasing and decreasing – used to shape the sleeves and body sections
• Tension/gauge checking – the pattern strongly emphasises working to the stated tension before beginning, which is essential for achieving the correct fit

Stitches Used

• Knit (k) – the foundational stitch used throughout
• Purl (p) – used on wrong-side rows in stocking stitch and within the cable panel
• C6B (Cable 6 Back) – slip 3 stitches to a cable needle held at the back, knit 3, then knit the 3 stitches from the cable needle; creates a right-leaning cable twist
• C6F (Cable 6 Front) – slip 3 stitches to a cable needle held at the front, knit 3, then knit the 3 stitches from the cable needle; creates a left-leaning cable twist
• Decrease stitches (tog) – knitting or purling stitches together to reduce stitch count during shaping

Materials and Yarn

The pattern is written specifically for Sirdar Big Softie Super Chunky yarn in shade 359, requiring between 13 and 18 balls of 50g depending on the size being made. The yarn is a super chunky weight, which means the project knits up quickly and is ideal for those who enjoy seeing fast progress on their needles. The pattern also notes that the design is also suitable for several alternative Sirdar yarns, including Squiggle Super Chunky, Big Bamboo, Denim Ultra, and Faroe Super Chunky, though yarn amounts may vary when substituting.

Needles and Notions

• 10mm (UK 000 / USA 15) knitting needles – used for the main body of the cardigan
• 8mm (UK 0 / USA 11) knitting needles –